Vauxhall ASTRA (1991 - 1998)
MODELS COVERED: Second generation Astra 1991-1998 (1.4i 3 and 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Estate [Merit, L, LS, Si, Diamond, GLS, CD, Expression, Cesaro]/ 1.6i 3 and 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Estate, Convertible [LS, Si, Diamond, GLS, 16v GLS, CD, Merit E-Drive, Cesaro, 16v Sport, CDX]/ 1.8i 16v 3 and 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Estate, Convertible [CD, Cesaro, GSi, Diamond, Sport] / 2.0i 3 and 5dr Hatchback, Saloon, Estate, Convertible [SRi, CDi, Cesaro, GSi, CDX], 1.7-litre diesel Hatchback, Saloon, Estate [LS, GLS, Sport, Diamond, CD, CDX])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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The
Vauxhall Astra has been the companys staple family car for longer than most can remember. Its the post-1991 shape Astra onwards that we concentrate on here. Theres plenty of choice on the second-hand market but that can make it even harder to find a good one.
A well built family car that's both stable and safe. It won't excite you much but then, that's not what the Astra's about. Parts are plentiful and cheap and not much goes wrong.
Prices start at around £800 for 1992 1.4-litre petrol-engined cars in basic Merit form. A more typical 93K-registered five-door car would cost around £1,000, with 94L-registered models starting at about £1,200. These prices are for five doors; subtract about £100 off those values for the three-door 1.
4-litre equivalents. Plusher LS cars are worth a premium of about £150, with more sporty Si models worth about the same, model for model. A 1.6-litre model could be yours for about £1,000; that buys you a sporty 1992 Si.
The 1.8-litre 16v unit was a good engine; it was first fitted to the plush CD in 1993 (prices from just under £1,000) and is particularly well suited to the Sport models (M-platers from about £1,300). Finally, the 2.0 16v GSi hot hatch; early examples are cheap (from under £1,700 on a J-plate).
You may find your insurance bill to be lower, however, by trying for an SRi (which had the same engine without the extra valves); prices start from around £1,100 on a J-plate. Third-generation cars from early 1998 are less cheap. A 1.4 will cost from about £3,000, a 1.
6 eight valver from £3,400 and a two-litre SRi from about £4,000. Diesels start at around £3,000 for a 1.7 or £3,400 for models with the newer direct injection 2.0.
Examine the sump and the cylinder head for oil leaks. On older cars, check the shock absorbers for leaks. Cracked driveshaft gaiters could point to wear on CV joints. There was also a recall in 1995 on all Astras made since 1992; this was to fit an earthing clamp on the fuel filler neck; you need to ensure that this has been done.
Cars equipped with an airbag need to have a dealer check.
(approx based on a 1995 Astra 1.6 - ex Vat) A clutch assembly will be around £80, and it will cost you around £200 for a full exhaust system less the catalyst. A starter motor should be close to £65 and a radiator around £140. Brake pads for the front £16 a set and for rear shoes £35.
A replacement headlamp will be close to £55, and an alternator around £90.
Solid to drive, though there are times when you might find yourself wishing for a little extra performance. The 1.6 16v, 1.8 16v, 1.
7TD and 2.0 Di engines are the best if you want to use the car for motorway work.
A sensible choice, better built than any small Vauxhall before it.
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